NHL Rumor Mill – March 27, 2026
Check out the latest on Maple Leafs winger Matthew Knies and Canucks center Elias Pettersson in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.
NEW JERSEY HOCKEY NOW: James Nichols recently looked at what it might cost the Devils if they were to acquire winger Matthew Knies from the Toronto Maple Leafs.
Toronto Maple Leafs winger Matthews Knies (NHL Images).
Knies, 23, was the subject of trade speculation before the March 6 trade deadline. Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman reported the Devils were among a handful of suitors with “serious interest” in the young Maple Leafs power forward.
Knies would be the perfect complementary winger to skate alongside Devils center Jack Hughes. It could cost the Devils defenseman Simon Nemec, who would immediately move up the Maple Leafs’ blueline depth chart.
Nichols also wondered whether the Leafs would be interested in a trade package including center Dawson Mercer, or perhaps a deal that includes prospect defenseman Seamus Casey and the Devils’ 2026 first-round pick. He doesn’t anticipate Devils veteran blueliner Dougie Hamilton being involved in this type of deal.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: Earlier this month, James Mirtle of The Athletic expressed his belief that the Maple Leafs shouldn’t trade Knies unless it’s for an elite first-line center or a top-pairing defenseman.
Mercer would not fill that need at center. However, Nemec has the potential to become a top-two blueliner. If the Devils make a pitch, the 22-year-old defenseman would have to be part of the return to draw any interest from the Leafs.
Meanwhile, Adam Proteau of The Hockey News considers Knies among a handful of untouchables on the Maple Leafs. If they’re going to rebuild, they need someone like Knies on their roster.
CANUCKS ARMY: Stephan Roget recently looked at several teams that might be willing to take struggling center Elias Pettersson off the Vancouver Canucks’ hands this summer.
The Carolina Hurricanes seem the most obvious choice, as it’s well-known that they attempted to acquire him from the Canucks. It was rumored that the two sides were close to a Pettersson-for-Martin Necas swap two years ago. They still need skilled scoring depth at center, and they have the cap space to take on Pettersson’s expensive contract.
Pettersson was also linked to the Detroit Red Wings before the March 6 trade deadline. Like the Hurricanes, they need additional scoring depth at center. The Los Angeles Kings could be in the market for a top-six center with Anze Kopitar retiring at the end of this season.
The New York Islanders could be a possibility as it would reunite Pettersson with former Canucks teammate Bo Horvat, especially with Mathew Barzal becoming more of a winger. The rebuilding Philadelphia Flyers also need help at center.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: Some interesting possibilities here, but Pettersson’s recent performance and his contract remain major sticking points in trade negotiations. He’s struggled to meet the lofty expectations that come with his hefty deal, failing to come anywhere close to his career-high 102 points in 2022-23.
Pettersson carries an average annual value of $11.6 million for six more years with a full no-movement clause, giving him full control over potential trade destinations. Even teams with a lot of salary-cap space could insist on the Canucks retaining salary to facilitate a trade.
Matthews to LA, not Petey 😎👍
I cant believe Pettersson is connected to Philly over and over again considering that Tocchet is the coach. It was on Tocchets watch Pettersson cratered, no Pettersson isnt blameless, but if the coach constanly tells you that you arent good enough it tends to stick after a while. So while Pettersson would accept a trade, Tocchet would resign before taking on Pettersson, he just hates the guy for not being what Tocchet thinks a player should be. There are other teams that could get involved but as it stands, dont expect much going back to Vancouver, especially with no retention. I can also see Columbus, San Jose and Pittsburgh kicking the can if the cost is low, especially if you could get Vancouver to retain 2m. And Pettersson should welcome a trade for his own good, he needs to have fun playing, right now its looks like its eating him up from the inside
Pettersson wouldnt accept a trade to philly, my mistake
NHL Summer Trade Surprises…2026
Matthews to Sharks
B Tkachuk to Panthers
McDavid to Knights
I like Matthew’s to the sharks for Misa, Graf, and San Jose’s 2026 1st rounder (unprotected)
Then trade nylander to Anaheim for mctavish and Moore or Helleson.
Leaf’s new core Knies, Mctavish, Misa and Cowan and tons of cap space to fill out the roster. Still need number one D and hopefully can get one with SJS pick.
Who knows if you are competitive in a couple of years and Mcdavid is available and like the leafs chances you might be able to land him.
Matthews to Ducks
B Tkachuk to Rangers
McDavid stays put
I think you’re both wrong.
Brady Tkachuk home to St. Louis
Both Matthews and McDavid going nowhere
And meant to add after “Brady Tkachuk home to St. Louis” …. “at some point joined there by brother Matthew.”
GeorgeO, do you know something we Blues fans don’t because most people have been dreaming of one of the two to end up there. Matthew looks like he’s entrenched in south Florida but Brady would be a better fit anyway. Especially after the team looked the other way after Thomas got face slammed to the ice. The Blues have got picks, and may have more before the draft, and young players and prospects. Could be worked out unless you are pulling our legs.😆
Joe since your shopping centers where do Trocheck and Thomas end up!
Joe since your shopping centers where do Trocheck and Thomas end up!
I wouldn’t get too excited about how much Matthews might bring back. Remember that the rest of the league has seen what we’ve seen. If he’s that bad to ship out, then the other teams will feel the same about ponying up taking him. Petterson is similar.
I think a change of scenery for Pettersson would do wonders for him. I don’t think he is the 100 point player but probably a great second line centre. If he goes to a team with already a number one centre I wouldn’t worry about the cap hit if you can afford it. Centres are hard to come by and if you can get one on the cheap (in terms of cost acquiring) it’s worth the over pay on the cap especially with the expected increase.
A team should not acquire him with the expectation he will be there number one centre.
If a team were to take on 100% of the contract, what would it cost? 2nd round pick and a prospect?
I’m with you half way, Jeff. Safest not to think of Petterssen as a # 1 center.
But the cap has real impact on a team (ask the Leafs, as an easy example), so it would be most unwise with gusts of foolish to take all of Petterssen’s cap hit.
Don’t trade Knies! Especially since we don’t have anyone to take his place.
I agree 100% Toronto St Pats.
It’s not like you’re definitely going to get a player of equal age/ability – even at another position – in return. More likely a good prospect with the POTENTIAL to be anywhere close to his ability plus a pick or two that immediately enter the “crap shoot” category until you see what they might be like at the NHL level – two/three years down the line.
What will the Rangers do after the devastating news on Matt Remke not going to be ready to play.
He has poured in 5 goals and 6 assists in his time with the rangers so I take it he’s never been ready to play